Best dryer for compressors

As we saw in our previous article, harmful substances such as oil inside a compressor can reduce its efficiency and longevity (see also: Removing harmful substances from compressed air). 

Similarly, another element that can damage our compressed air compressors is condensation, which is why today it is essential to use so-called dryers. Let’s see what they are. 

How to eliminate condensation from compressed air compressors with dryers

By its very nature, a compressor inevitably produces moisture which, if not managed properly, can damage some of its important components, such as pneumatic machines, motors, and valves. The advice is therefore to try to keep the compressed air as dry and clean as possible by installing the correct dryer. 

How can we identify the best dryer for our compressors? The choice of a dryer depends on several factors that are closely related to the requirements and moisture tolerance capacity of our machines. Normally, a manufacturing industry uses refrigeration air dryers, which can be cyclic or non-cyclic. Refrigeration dryers are suitable for systems that require dry air without a critical moisture point and can be either cyclic or non-cyclic.  

The non-cyclical cooler differs from the former in its ability to always be in operation regardless of the incoming air load and in the use of a valve that redirects the refrigerant even under low load conditions. This type of dryer is very economical as well as reliable and is an excellent starting point for those on a tight budget. It should be noted, however, that this type of refrigeration dryer can only be used for screw-type compressed air compressors and is not recommended for piston compressors due to energy consumption. 

Unlike the previous type, the cyclic dryer uses an inverter through which it can be activated or deactivated based on the compressed air flow rate at the inlet. It is therefore a highly advantageous cooler in terms of energy efficiency, even if it is slightly more expensive. The advantages of this type of dryer are energy savings, low pressure drops, small footprint, and low noise level (see also: How to reduce compressor noise). 

Riem Italy, a leading company in Italy and worldwide in the production of spare parts for industrial compressors and the production of equivalent compressors, offers various solutions in the field of compressor refrigeration. We also specialize in the production of Z series heat exchangers. Our exchangers can be made of AISI 444 steel or, on request, AISI 316/L. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Z Series Compressor Heat Exchangers